2014.11.03 | CWA Canada Local 30130 | Halifax Typographical Union
Union hopes to reduce newsroom layoffs in Halifax
Hallowe’en was a nightmare this year for 20 newsroom staff at the Chronicle Herald in Halifax who received layoff notices.
Ingrid Bulmer, president of the Halifax Typographical Union (HTU), will be in meetings with the employer this week to explore possible savings that might reduce the number of layoffs.
President Martin O’Hanlon said CWA Canada is working closely with its Halifax Local. “We will try to get the company to do the right thing and reduce the number of layoffs. It is in everyone’s interests to keep a strong newsroom dedicated to quality journalism.”
Under the collective agreement, the company over the next 45 days must offer early retirements or buyouts, consider job-sharing, modified work weeks or other cost-saving ideas union members might propose.
The employer is seeking concessions, including increased pension contributions, reduced mileage rate and deferral of a two-per-cent pay increase that was set for Nov. 21.
Bulmer, noting that 20 layoffs would reduce the newsroom complement by about one quarter, said she is concerned how that would affect the quality of the newspaper.
The HTU represents about 100 employees at the daily newspaper, including those in composing and the pressroom.
Eight newsroom employees, six of them members of the HTU, opted for early retirement late last month.
Mark Lever, president of the privately held Halifax Herald Ltd., cited a significant decline in national advertising as the reason the company wants to cut $1.4 million from its editorial department budget.
For interviews or more information, contact Martin O'Hanlon (email / 613-867-5090).